Content Storage Method and System

ABSTRACT

A content storage method and system for use in a content distribution network are provided. A personal file locker is established on the network for a user. A content-storage-request database is established. The database tracks requests by the user for placing video programs into the user&#39;s file locker for personal use by the user. Upon the broadcasting of a video program for which there exists a request by the user to place the video program into the user&#39;s file locker, the requested video program is stored in the user&#39;s file locker. The stored video program is then made available to the user for viewing. Alternative approaches to content storage methods and systems are also described, including the use of a buffer enhancement to enable the performance of operations on “live” television.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/166,426, filed on Jan. 28, 2014 and entitled “Content Storage Methodand Systems,” which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.11/231,466, filed on Sep. 21, 2005 and entitled “Content Storage Methodand Systems,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser.No. 10/806,251, filed on Mar. 22, 2004 and entitled “Content StorageMethod and Systems.” U.S. application Ser. No. 14/166,426, U.S.application Ser. No. 11/231,466, and U.S. application Ser. No.10/806,251 are hereby incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates to content distribution techniques and to personalvideo recorders (PVRs).

Background Art

The video cassette recorder (VCR) has been used for many years to allowusers to record video programming to tape for personal use. Most modernvideo cassette recorders (VCRs) include a programmable memory to allowusers to program the VCR in advance to later record a particularprogram. In this way, at the programmed time, the VCR tunes to theprogrammed channel and records the present video programming to tape.Over time, the VCR programmable memory feature has been enhanced tosimplify programming.

Today, many viewers have turned to the personal video recorder (PVR) torecord video programming for personal use. The PVR usually includes ahard disk drive and records video programming as digital video files onthe hard disk drive. The PVR is able to provide all of the functionalityassociated with the traditional VCR, and provide some additionalcapabilities. One of these additional capabilities that has become quitepopular is the ability to pause, rewind, and fast forward live broadcastprogramming.

Existing PVRs have been quite successful, but some have perceivedcertain disadvantages associated with the PVR. U.S. Pub. No.2003/0208767 A1 enumerates some perceived disadvantages of the PVR anddescribes network-based interactive programming and services. Allcontent is recorded at the headend and a content license approach isutilized where a user may reserve programs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved content storagemethod that utilizes a file locker-based approach. A user has a personalfile locker on the network. When content is stored in the user's filelocker, it is available for the user to watch. This innovative filelocker-based approach provides improvements over the existing PVR by,for example, providing added flexibility and economy of scale. At thesame time, this innovative file locker-based approach may avoid some ofthe limitations associated with a content license approach. In this way,the personal file locker provides a solution that is not comprehended bythe prior art.

In carrying out the invention, a content storage method is provided foruse in a content distribution network. The content distribution networkprovides broadcast video programming over the network to a plurality ofusers in accordance with a broadcasting schedule. The method comprisesestablishing a personal file locker on the network for a user. The filelocker includes network storage space allocated for personal use by theuser. The method further comprises establishing acontent-storage-request database. The database tracks requests by theuser for placing broadcast video programs into the user's file lockerfor personal use by the user. Requested content is stored in the user'sfile locker upon broadcast thereof and is thereafter made available tothe user. Upon a request to view by the user, content stored in theuser's file locker may be viewed. In this way, the invention provides acontent storage area or file locker that a user can manage as if it werein his/her home. Operations supported include adding content, accessingcontent, and removing content.

It is appreciated that the file locker-based approach provided by theinvention provides flexibility and economy of scale by implementing apersonal file locker for the user on the network. It is furtherappreciated that the file locker-based approach provided by theinvention provides a personal storage-space allocation for personal useby the user and in this way may avoid some of the limitations associatedwith a content license approach. The invention provides an improvedcontent storage method that provides the flexibility and economy ofscale of a network solution, and provides the personal use andmanagement of an in-home solution, brought together in the filelocker-based method.

At a more detailed level, the invention comprehends many possiblefeatures as further described below. The personal file locker may beestablished in any suitable way such as a directory or other filesystem/volume construct that is created to hold the user's content. Adatabase entry in a file-locker database notes the details of the filelocker. It is also to be appreciated that the content-storage-requestdatabase may be established in any suitable way. In a suitable approach,the content-storage-request database has entries corresponding toscheduled video programs, and a content-storage request by the userresults in the addition of a pointer to the content-storage-requestdatabase entry for the requested program. The pointer points to therequesting user's file locker, or more specifically, points to theuser's record in the file-locker database. When the pointer is added,the user's record in the file-locker database is also annotated so thatthe requests for that file locker can be tracked.

In the approach just described, a request by the user to delete aprevious content-storage request is handled by removing the previouslyadded pointer and removing the corresponding annotation.

Further, it is appreciated that the invention contemplates storing arequested video program to the user's file locker upon broadcast of thevideo program. It is further appreciated that the invention comprehendsthe storing of a requested video program to the user's file locker uponthe general making of the video program available to the end user in anysuitable fashion.

With regard to storing the video program in the user's file locker, itis appreciated that any suitable data storage technique may be utilizedto effectively get the data available at the appropriate file lockers.With regard to the later viewing of the stored video program, contentviewing requests are authenticated to identify which subscriber ismaking the request so that access to a subscriber's file locker islimited to that subscriber. Preferably, the user may utilize pause,rewind, and fast forward features while viewing.

Further, in carrying out the invention, a content storage system for usein a content distribution network is provided. The content distributionnetwork provides broadcast video programming over the network to aplurality of users in accordance with a broadcasting schedule. Thesystem comprises a personal file locker on the network for a user. Thefile locker is a construct created to hold the user's content andincludes network storage space allocated for personal use by the user.The system further comprises a content-storage-request database fortracking requests by the user for placing broadcast video programs intothe user's file locker for personal use by the user. The system furthercomprises computer instructions executable by a computer on the network.Upon the broadcasting of a video program for which there exists arequest by the user to place the video program into the user's filelocker, the computer instructions direct the storage of the videoprogram in the user's file locker, and make the stored video programavailable to the user for viewing.

The system may incorporate any of the various aspects of the contentstorage methods provided. As appropriate, computer instructionsexecutable by a computer on the network are utilized to carry outvarious aspects of the invention. It is appreciated that theimplementation of computer instructions executable by a computer may beachieved in any suitable way. In addition, it is appreciated that thecontent storage systems and methods may be used in other arrangementswhere broadcast programming is provided over a network and are notstrictly limited to broadcast video programming arrangements.

Further, in carrying out the invention, a content storage method isprovided in which a plurality of personal file lockers are establishedon the network for a plurality of users. Each file locker includesnetwork storage space allocated for personal use by the correspondinguser. The method further comprises establishing acontent-storage-request database for tracking requests by the pluralityof users for placing broadcast video programs into their file lockersfor personal use. The method further comprises, upon the broadcasting ofa video program for which there exists at least one request by a user toplace the program into the user's file locker, storing that videoprogram in each requesting user's file locker. The stored video programis made available for viewing by each user whose file locker receivedthe video program.

In another aspect of the invention, a content storage system comprisinga plurality of personal file lockers on the network for a plurality ofusers is provided. In the system, computer instructions executable by acomputer on the network are utilized to store video programs inappropriate file lockers and make the stored video programs availablefor viewing by users.

In addition to the various approaches described above for carrying outthe invention in ways that involve providing content storage methods andsystems that use a file locker-based approach, instantiation of theinvention may take place in alternative ways and involve independentalternative approaches to carrying out the invention to achieveindependent alternative embodiments of the invention. Thus, theinvention as a whole comprehends various different alternative andindependent approaches for carrying out the various concepts involved.

In carrying out the invention in a first alternative approach, a methodfor time-shifted viewing of content for use in a content distributionnetwork is provided. The content distribution network delivers aplurality of broadcast video programs over the network to a plurality ofviewers in accordance with a broadcast schedule. The method comprisesallocating a remote personal storage resource on the network for a user.The method further comprises receiving a request by the user for storageof a desired one or more of the broadcast video programs. The methodfurther comprises, only if the request is received no later than ascheduled broadcast of the desired program, in response to the requestautomatically storing the desired video program in the user's remotepersonal storage resource upon the scheduled broadcasting of the desiredvideo program. The method further comprises automatically making thestored video program available to the user over the network for viewingat a subsequent time specified by the user.

At a more detailed level, the method in the first alternative approachcomprehends further features. For example, a quantity limit on how muchtotal content can be stored for the user in the remote personal storageresource may be established. For example, one or more limits for each ofthe stored video programs, including one or more limits selected from:{an expiration date, a maximum permitted number of repeated viewings}may be established. For example, the user may be charged a fee inexchange for raising one or more of the limits. Further, the desiredbroadcast video program may be a television series, and the user requestmay be a single interactive request for storage of a plurality ofinstallments of the series. The content distribution network may includebroadband network infrastructure selected from one or more of thefollowing: {cable television network, satellite network, telephonenetwork, wireless network, power line network}. The content distributionnetwork may include packet-switched network infrastructure.

In carrying out the invention in a second alternative approach, a methodfor providing personal video recorder (“PVR”) functionality to a uservia a content distribution network is provided. The method comprisesreceiving a request by the user for storage of desired video content nolater than a scheduled telecast to a plurality of viewers of the desiredcontent. The method further comprises, in response to the request onlyupon the scheduled telecast of the desired content, and only if the useris one of the viewers who is entitled to receive the desired program atthe time of the scheduled telecast, storing the desired content in aremote network-based storage facility for the user. The method furthercomprises making the stored content available to the user over thenetwork with viewing functionality including at least one or more PVRfeatures selected from: {time-shifted viewing, pause, rewind,fast-forward}.

At a more detailed level, the method in the second alternative approachcomprehends further features. For example, the request may be receivedfrom the user during the scheduled telecast, the user request may be forstorage of a not-yet-telecast portion of the desired video content,storing the desired content may comprise storing the portion. Forexample, the user request may be for rolling storage of currently viewedvideo content and storing the requested video content may comprisestoring most recently viewed video content in a buffer of predeterminedlength in the remote storage facility. For example, the method mayfurther include non-real-time display for the user of at least some ofthe desired content during the scheduled telecast of the content, inresponse to an interactive request of the user. The non-real-timedisplay may include at least one or more viewing modes selected from{pause, rewind, fast forward}.

In carrying out the invention in a third alternative approach, anetwork-based personal video recording system is provided. The systemcomprises a network-based storage resource configured to store desiredvideo programming in response to a remote user's electronic request. Thesystem further comprises a content distribution network configured todeliver the stored desired programming to the user. The systemautomatically performs the storing and delivering of the desiredprogramming under the interactive control of the requesting user,without a need for legal permission from a copyright owner of thedesired programming to perform the storing and distributing.

At a more detailed level, the method in the third alternative approachcomprehends further features. For example, the automatic storing anddelivering of the desired video programming under interactive control ofthe user may be performed in a manner intended to qualify as a fair useunder copyright law.

It is appreciated that in this approach, storing and delivering withouta need for legal permission from a copyright owner of the desiredprogramming to perform the storing and distribution means that theseactions use the desired programming in a way that those of ordinaryskill in the art of copyrights as applied in personal video recordingsystems would appreciate and understand does not require legalpermission. It is further appreciated by those skilled in the relevantarts that the actions use the desired programming in a way that does notrequire legal permission from a copyright owner of the desiredprogramming and that these actions occur in a particular combination ofother structures and functions which include the network-based storageresource and the content distribution network. This approach to carryingout the invention also comprehends performing storing and deliveringactions that use the desired programming in a way that those skilled inthe relevant arts would appreciate and understand does not give rise tolegal liability.

Accordingly, it is to be understood that this approach to carrying outthe invention is not to be limited to any specific instance of thefactors involved in determining the absence of a need for legalpermission, or the absence of legal liability. Rather, this approach tocarrying out the invention transcends such specific instances of thesefactors and should be considered as comprehending the combination of anetwork-based personal video recording system including a network-basedstorage resource, and a content distribution network wherein the systemperforms the actions of storing and delivering in a way that does notrequire legal permission from a copyright owner in the particularsituation at hand as would be readily understood by those skilled in therelevant arts.

Also comprehended is a combination of a network-based personal videorecording system including a network-based storage resource, and acontent distribution network wherein the system performs the actions ofstoring and delivering in a way that does not give rise to legalliability in the particular situation at hand as would be readilyunderstood by those skilled in the relevant arts.

One instance of the factors involved in determining the absence of aneed for legal permission is the present existing fair use privilege ofindividuals to take certain actions with content without the need forlegal permission. One instance of the factors involved in determiningthe absence of legal liability occurs in the provisions of the DigitalMillennium Copyright Act (DMCA) which shields online service providersfrom direct, vicarious and contributory liability for content stored atthe direction of users.

In carrying out the invention, an automatic buffer enhancement to a filelocker-based content storage service is comprehended. This aspect of theinvention provides an enhancement to the file locker concept by enablingthe user to pause and perform other operations on broadcast programmingduring the broadcasting thereof. Put another way, operations may beperformed on “live” television, that is, on the actual broadcast feed.In this way, the user can personalize the viewing of an otherwisetraditionally delivered program by utilizing an automatic bufferenhancement in combination with a file locker architecture. This bufferfeature is an enhancement to any other features provided by the filelocker implementation, such as any of those features described above.

At a more detailed level, the automatic buffer enhancement aspect of theinvention comprehends features and details that may vary depending onthe implementation. Exemplary features and details are further describedbelow.

In one aspect of this enhancement to a file locker-based content storageapproach, a user is able to ask the system to automatically save aprogram that the user is currently watching into the user's file lockerto facilitate VCR-like control of the program that the user is watching.

For example, a user who has turned on this buffer enhancement featurewould cause content to be saved in the user's file locker as the userwatched TV. Because the content is being saved in the user's personalfile locker, the user would have the ability to pause “live” content andthen pick up where the user left off (by viewing the content from thefile locker). Similarly, the user would be able to rewind orfast-forward through content based on the amount of material saved inthe user's personal file locker.

In an additional aspect of this enhancement to a file locker-basedcontent storage approach, content would not be stored in the user's filelocker until the user starts watching a program (unless the content hadbeen requested through the normal mechanisms for the file lockerimplementation). In yet another aspect, when a user stops watching agiven program, the user could have the content automatically saved (incase the user wanted to go back to watch the program again),automatically deleted (to conserve space in the user's file locker), orthe user could be prompted to manually determine what should happen tothe content when the user stops watching a given program.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a content distribution network and content storage system inan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates the content-storage-request database, file-lockerdatabase, and file locker cooperation in more detail;

FIG. 3 illustrates a content storage method in an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 4 illustrates authentication and viewing of a video program in moredetail;

FIG. 5 illustrates a first alternative approach to carrying out theinvention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a second alternative approach to carrying out theinvention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a third alternative approach to carrying out theinvention; and

FIG. 8 is a content distribution network and content storage system inan embodiment of the invention including the automatic bufferenhancement in combination with a file locker architecture; and

FIG. 9 illustrates the content-storage-request database, file-lockerdatabase, and file locker cooperation in more detail in an embodiment ofthe invention including the automatic buffer enhancement in combinationwith a file locker architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a content distribution network andcontent storage system in an embodiment of the invention areillustrated. Signals are distributed by headend 10. Headend 10 receivescontent from source 12. The distribution network 14 is shown in asimplified fashion with the final signal distribution reachingsubscribers 16. A user or subscriber 16 has a personal file locker 18 onthe network 14. This file locker-based content storage systemimplementation further includes file-locker database 20 andcontent-storage-request database 22. Headend 10 provides broadcast videoprogramming over network 14 to users 16 in accordance with abroadcasting schedule. A personal file locker 18 is established for eachuser 16 and includes network storage space allocated for personal use bythe user. Content-storage-request database 22 tracks requests by theusers for placing broadcast video programs into the users' file lockers18. More specifically, a specific user's requested content is stored inthat user's file locker upon broadcast thereof and is thereafter madeavailable to that user.

The personal file locker may be established in any suitable fashion suchas a directory or other file system/volume construct that is created tohold the user's content. A database entry in the file-locker database 20notes details of the file locker. This is best illustrated in FIG. 2where each block 30 represents a file-locker description entry withinfile-locker database 20. As shown, each file-locker description 30corresponds to a particular personal file locker 18, which in turncorresponds to a particular user or subscriber 16.

Content-storage-request database 22 may be established in any suitableway. As best shown in FIG. 2, in the illustrated embodiment,content-storage-request database 22 has entries 32 corresponding toscheduled video programs. A content-storage request by a user results inthe addition of a pointer 34 to the content-storage-request databaseentry for the requested program.

As shown in FIG. 2, when a subscriber 16 requests a particular videoprogram for placement in the subscriber's personal file locker 18, apointer 34 is added in the entry 32 for the particular video programwithin the content-storage-request database 22. The added pointer pointsto the file-locker description 30 for the personal file locker 18 forthe subscriber 16 making the request. Further, the subscriber's entry inthe file-locker database 20 is annotated so that the requests for anyparticular file locker may be tracked within the correspondingfile-locker description in file-locker database 20. In the approach justdescribed, a request by the user to delete a previous content-storagerequest is handled by removing the previously added pointer and removingthe corresponding annotation to the file-locker description.

As mentioned, the video program 32 is stored to the user's file locker18 upon the general making of the video program available to the enduser in any fashion, for example, when the video program is broadcasted.The file locker-based approach provided by the illustrated embodimentprovides flexibility and economy of scale by implementing a personalfile locker for the user on the network. Personal file lockers 18 onnetwork 14 provide the flexibility and economy of scale of a networksolution, while at the same time, providing the personal feel of anin-home solution and avoiding some limitations typically associated witha content license management approach.

With regard to the storing of the programs in the file lockers, anysuitable data storage technique may be utilized to effectively get thedata available at the appropriate file lockers. Once data is stored in afile locker, access requests to view the contents are authenticated toassure that contents of a file locker are handled as personal-use copiesfor the associated subscriber. During playback of content from the filelocker, the subscriber may utilize pause, rewind, and fast forwardfeatures while viewing.

In the implementation of the illustrated embodiment, the customersubscribes to the file-locker service and specifies or selects an amountof storage (expressed in Gigabytes, hours of video content, and/ornumber of shows) for his/her personal file locker 18. With a file lockerestablished, the subscriber is able to request that content be placed inhis/her personal file locker 18. Only content that is available to thesubscriber on his/her television (or other devices receiving broadcastcontent such as computers) can be placed in his/her file locker 18.Access to the file locker 18 is restricted to the subscriber, andoptionally, further restricted to the subscriber's premises (but couldallow viewing from any of the televisions, computers, or other videodisplay devices). Various techniques are contemplated for the subscriberto control content within the file locker. That is, the subscriber candirect content additions to his/her file locker using a web interface,and/or a television-based interface. Content that the user has requestedis stored in his/her personal file locker. This content counts againstthe amount of storage associated with the subscription to the service.

When content is stored in a service user's file locker, it becomesavailable for the user to watch. The user can also direct contentdeletions from the file locker to free up space. In another aspect, theuser may be able to set up expiration dates for content, essentiallyrequesting that the system remove content after a certain period of timeto preserve free space inside the file locker. The user may be able tospecify rules for the automated management of the file locker in anotheraspect of the invention, for example, what should happen when the filelocker does not have enough space to store a program that the user hasrequested.

When the user selects a piece of content from the file locker forviewing, the user is able to watch it very much the way that he/shewould be able to watch VCR or PVR recorded content. For example, fastforward, rewind, pause, and other viewing commands may be available tothe user.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, further details of the technicalaspects of the illustrated embodiment are explained below. In FIG. 3,the content storage method in an embodiment of the invention isillustrated. At block 40, the file-locker database is established. Atblock 42, the content-storage-request database is established. At block44, a personal file locker is established on the network for a user.More specifically, when a user signs up for the file-locker service, thesystem sets up a file locker and reserves storage space for it. Thecontent-storage-request database tracks which users have requested whichprograms be placed in their respective file lockers. A web or televisioninterface that allows users to request content only allows a user torequest content that the user is entitled to access as part of his/hernormal video subscription.

According to the database of user content requests, the system storesthe requested content when it is broadcast. For example, if the userrequests that the 6:00 p.m. news on channel 7 be saved in the user'sfile locker, the 6:00 p.m. news is stored in the locker, ideally in realtime starting at 6:00 p.m. The content becomes available to the user assoon as it is stored in the user's file locker.

If a number of users request the same content, the system may store aseparate copy in each requesting user's file locker. If a userunsubscribes from the file-locker service, the user's file locker isdeallocated and any content in it is deleted. In addition, the databaseentry in the file-locker database is deleted or marked inactive.

When a content storage request is received from the user, first a checkis made to see if the user's file locker has enough space to store theselected content. The check considers the current amount of spaceavailable, any pending content storage requests, and any storagemanagement policies in place for that file locker. If sufficient spaceis available, a pointer is added for the given program that points tothe file-locker database entry for the file locker of the subscribermaking the request. The subscriber's record in the file-locker databaseis also annotated.

In FIG. 3, blocks 46 and 48 illustrate adding pointers to thecontent-storage-request database entries in response to user requestsand annotating file-locker database entries to note the pointers. Thisconcept is also illustrated in FIG. 2 where content-storage-requestdatabase 22 includes video programs 32 where pointers 34 point tofile-locker descriptions 30 corresponding to personal file lockers 18that correspond to subscribers 16.

At block 50 user requests/pointers are tracked and video programs arestored to file lockers. More specifically, the content-storage-requestdatabase is monitored. Each time a program begins (based on EPG data orother sources including human input), each file locker that is listed ashaving requested that content is given a copy of the program. Theprogram may be stored in the file lockers in real-time by streaming intoa file in each locker, or the program may be copied in large blocks toeach locker at the end of the program's broadcast. In no case is contentavailable to the user from the file locker prior to broadcast or theotherwise general availability of the content. In the case where thecontent is available only in analog format, it is first digitallyencoded and then stored in the file locker.

In the case where the content is digitally encrypted, it is stored inencrypted form in the file locker. This encryption may be the defaultencryption or the content may be encrypted using an encryption systemmore appropriate for stored content.

At block 52, stored video programs in a user's file locker are madeavailable to the user for viewing. More specifically, when a request ismade to view a piece of content in a file locker, the request is firstauthenticated to identify which subscriber is making the request. Thisis illustrated in more detail in FIG. 4 where block 54 illustratesauthentication and block 56 illustrates providing the video program forviewing. Only content that is in a particular subscriber's file lockeris available to that subscriber for viewing. Assuming that the contentrequested is in the authenticated user's file locker, the content istransmitted to the user. The user is able to use VCR or PVR commandsincluding pause, fast forward, and rewind while viewing the content.When reaching the end of the content or pressing stop, the user may beasked whether he/she would like to remove the content from his/her filelocker.

In the preferred implementation, when a file is stored in a user's filelocker, if there is not enough space for the file, the system may removefiles using criteria set up by the user in order to make enough spacefor the new file. Such criteria may include the age of the other files,whether the files have been accessed recently, and the size of thefiles.

There are also several optional improvements that may further beincorporated into embodiments of the invention. These optionalimprovements relate to the way that programs are stored in a user's filelocker.

One optional improvement to the implementation is to implement a filesystem that recognizes multiple files with the same content being storedand efficiently stores them to reduce the redundant use of storagespace. With the exception of performance, this file system behavesexactly as a traditional file system would behave. The differences areindistinguishable to the user except that it delivers a greater level ofperformance at a lower cost. Ideally this file system would identifyduplicate file storage requests through specified similarities in metadata associated with the file, for example, file name. An alternative isto enable bulk versions of traditional file system operations (such asfile open, file write, etc.) that operate on multiple filessimultaneously. In this way, the system could easily identify whichfiles contained identical data and optimization of applications usingthe file system would be enhanced by reducing the number of fileoperations/procedure calls that are required. In any case, files,whether manipulated in bulk or individually, would always behave as ifthey were independent files.

Another optional improvement to the implementation is to allow thesystem to automatically expand a user's file locker to accommodatecontent that the user has requested. The user may be charged additionalfees based on the total amount of storage used. This would change theimplementation above in that instead of ensuring that a user does notexceed a given amount of space, a log or other mechanism would be keptso that the maximum amount of storage used by a user during a timeperiod (e.g., a month) could be ascertained for billing purposes.

It is appreciated that embodiments of the invention provide an improvedcontent storage system and method. As exemplified by the illustratedembodiment, the personal file locker on the network providesimprovements over existing PVR by providing added flexibility andeconomy of scale while taking a personal-use approach that may avoidsome difficulties encountered in a rights-management license approach.

In addition to the file locker approach embodiment illustrated in FIGS.1-4, there are additional alternative approaches illustrated in FIGS.5-7.

In FIG. 5, a method for time-shifted viewing of content for use in acontent distribution network is illustrated. The content distributionnetwork delivers a plurality of broadcast video programs over thenetwork to a plurality of viewers in accordance with a broadcastschedule. At block 60, a remote personal storage resource is allocatedon the network for a user. At block 62, a request by the user forstorage of a desired one or more of the broadcast video programs isreceived. At block 64, only if the request is received no later than ascheduled broadcast of the desired program, in response to the request,the desired video program is automatically stored in the user's remotepersonal storage resource upon the scheduled broadcasting of the desiredvideo program. At block 66, the stored video program is automaticallymade available to the user over the network for viewing at a subsequenttime specified by the user.

In FIG. 6, a method for providing personal video recorder (PVR)functionality to a user via a content distribution network isillustrated. At block 70, a request by the user for storage of desiredvideo content is received. The request is received no later than ascheduled telecast to a plurality of viewers of the desired content. Atblock 72, in response to the re quest, only upon the scheduled telecastof the desired content, and only if the user is one of the viewers whois entitled to receive the desired program at the time of the scheduledtelecast, the desired content is stored in a remote network-basedstorage facility for the user. At block 74, the stored content is madeavailable to the user over the network with viewing functionalityincluding at least one or more PVR features selected from: {time-shiftedviewing, pause, rewind, fast-forward}.

In FIG. 7, a network-based personal video recording system carries outthe illustrated actions in blocks 80 and 82. At block 80, desired videoprogramming is stored in response to a remote user's electronic request.A content distribution network is configured to deliver the storeddesired video programming to the user. At block 82, the systemautomatically performs the storing and delivering of the desiredprogramming under the interactive control of the user, without a needfor legal permission from a copyright owner of the desired programmingto perform the storing and distributing.

It is appreciated that the additional alternative approaches illustratedin FIGS. 5-7 may involve additional features at the more detailed level.Further, it is appreciated that various approaches to carrying out theinvention to achieve various independent alternative embodiments of theinvention are described above. The invention as a whole comprehendsvarious different alternative and independent approaches for carryingout the various concepts involved, and the invention may be instantiatedin various ways to achieve various embodiments, including the particularembodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings, as well asother embodiments of any of the innovative concepts presented.

Also comprehended by the invention is an automatic buffer enhancement toa file locker-based content storage service. FIGS. 8-9 illustrate acontent distribution network and content storage system in an embodimentof the invention which includes an automatic buffer enhancement. Asshown, signals are distributed by headend 10. Headend 10 receivescontent from source 12. The distribution network 14 is shown in asimplified fashion with the final signal distribution reachingsubscribers 16. A user or subscriber 16 has a personal file locker 90 onthe network 14. Each file locker 90 includes a buffer enhancement.

This file locker-based content storage system implementation furtherincludes file-locker database 20 and content-storage-request database22.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-9 provides an enhancement to the filelocker concept by enabling the user to pause and perform otheroperations on broadcast programming during the broadcast thereof.Operations may be performed on “live” television. In this way, the usercan personalize the viewing of an otherwise traditionally deliveredprogram by utilizing an automatic buffer enhancement in combination witha file locker architecture. Personal file lockers 90 include the bufferenhancement. This buffer feature is an enhancement to any other featuresprovided by the file locker implementation, such as any of thosefeatures described above.

With continuing reference to the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 8-9, auser who has enabled the buffer enhancement feature would cause contentto be saved in the user's file locker 90 as the user watched television.It is appreciated that this content is “live” television, that is, theactual broadcast feed.

Because the content is being saved in the user's personal file locker,the user has the ability to pause “live” content and then pick up wherethe user left off (by viewing the content from the file locker).Similarly, the user would be able to rewind or fast forward throughcontent based on the amount of material saved in the user's personalfile locker. Thus, when the buffer enhancement feature of file locker 90is enabled, the broadcast program content being viewed by the userpasses through the user's personal file locker 90. The buffering at filelocker 90 allows the user to personalize the viewing of an otherwisetraditionally delivered program by using, pause, rewind, andfast-forward features.

Typically, content would not be stored in the user's file locker 90until the user started watching a program unless the content had beenrequested through the normal mechanisms of the file locker architecture.When a user stops watching a given program, the user could have thecontent automatically saved (in case the user wanted to go back to watchit again), automatically deleted (to conserve space in the user's filelocker) or the user could be prompted to manually determine what shouldhappen to the content.

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described,it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe allpossible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in thespecification are words of description rather than limitation, and it isunderstood that various changes may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

1. A method comprising: establishing, by a computing device, a pausebuffer for future recording of live programming; establishing ascheduled recording buffer for future scheduled recording of programmingfor a first user; and providing, the first user, a control forallocating buffer space to the pause buffer and the scheduled recordingbuffer.